STILL TO COME IN NEXT PHASE OF ACCRINGTON’S NEW TOWN SQUARE

Accrington’s new Town Square is progressing really well ready for its official opening on 11th November, the centenary of the end of World War One.

Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, fantastic progress has been made with the new Town Square, six unique benches are now installed, featuring artwork etched with images commemorating the sacrifice of the Accrington Pals and celebrating what’s amazing about Accrington, both in the years before the World War One and the achievements since.

In the next phase, large planters will be installed in front of the Square’s two iconic buildings, the Town Hall and the Market Hall and a new lighting scheme will also illuminate and highlight these fine historic Accrington gems. Three sculptures reflecting Hyndburn’s heritage will also be installed and snagging work will be completed before the Square is cleaned and spruced up ready for the official opening in November.

The square has already hosted a very successful the ‘Town Takeover’ event, creating fun for families and increasing footfall for local shopkeepers and lots more events will be held on the square over coming months to bring people in and rejuvenate the town. Besides the Council’s usual major annual events, the Food Festival, Ron Hill 10k race and the spectacular Christmas Light switch on, a diverse range of events, organised and managed by a range of local event providers and funded by grants from the Council are also being planned. These events include a Handmade and Fairtrade Market, the Dickensian night, History Walks, Fairy Tale trails, a Culture and Heritage Festival and a Pop party. Don’t miss the free ‘Heritage Open Days-Discovering Accrington’, running until 15th September, it’s your chance to see, explore and find out more about Accrington’s proud history and heritage.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said: “The Square is not finished yet, but work is going well and we’re looking forward to the installation of the planters, the lighting scheme and the sculptures, which will add to the ambience of the area and create a backdrop for more events to be held on the Square. We’ve already had the ‘Town Takeover’ with attractions and stalls based in different locations all over the town and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes of this event and many other planned for the coming months and next year in the Square.

Cllr Parkinson added; “Don’t miss the Heritage Open Days, with an exhibition in the Market Hall running to 15th September, promoting and celebrating the extraordinary women of Accrington.”

For details of the Heritage Open Days and all events coming up in Accrington’s new Town Square see www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk.